Realizing net-zero emissions: good practices in countries

Momentum for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or “net zero,” has increased in recent years, with many countries indicating their aspiration to reach net zero at the national level by mid century. Some countries are also committing to making the transition justly-in ways that improve the lives and livelihoods of those impacted during the transition. Yet challenges remain around the credibility of net-zero targets and their implementation pathways. This paper considers the growing need for frameworks that provide confidence that governments are increasing near term climate action to reach net-zero GHG emissions targets. National government are already taking concrete climate action, but it is difficult to determine the extent to which current and planned future action will enable the transformations necessary to radically decarbonize economies while ensuring a just transition. To explore this challenge, the author presents a framework showing key national climate actions for achieving a just transition to net zero.